Ballina's Troubled Times Claims

THE BALLINA HERALD                           SATURDAY, JULY 14, 1934

The Troubled Times in Mayo

RECALLED AT BALLINA CIRCUIT COURT

MANY AWARDS MADE

  An echo of the struggle in North Mayo during the years 1920-’21 and ’22 was recalled at a further special sitting of the Ballina Circuit Court on Tuesday, when many claims were dealt with under the Malicious Injury (Damage to Property) Act, 1933, were heard.

 (At the outset of this article it was decided to only include claims from the town and hinterland of Ballina, but some of the actions taken from outside these parameters had interesting information within them and it was decided to include these here---PJM.).

 This is a list of claims from the Ballina Quarter Sessions on the 9^th day of October, 1923.

 Name and Address of Applicant; Nature of Injury; Amount Claimed:

  James Ahearn, Ballina—Shop Goods commandeered—£156 18s 11d;

  Thomas Archer, Ballina (two claims)—Shop Goods commandeered—£112 6s 5d (total);

  Thomas Barber, Bonniconlon—One Heifer and eight Sheep commandeered—£30;

  Richard Barrett, Crossmolina—Motor Car and Accessories commandeered—£13 18s 2d;

  Isaac Beckett, Ballina (two claims)—Motor Car and Motor Lorry commandeered—£859 5s 8d (total);

  William Boland, King Street, Ballina (two claims)—Dwelling House, Offices and Household Furniture      

    destroyed; Offices and Premises damaged by rifle fire—£354 16s;

 Mary Bourke, King Street, Ballina—Shop Window and Goods damaged by rifle fire—£12;

  James Boland, King Street, Ballina—Shop Windows damaged—£6 10s;

  Michael Browne, Hill Street, Ballina—Horse damaged by rifle fire—£30;

 Maurice Browne, Ballycastle—Shop Goods commandeered—£119 6s 7d;

 Rosalie Cafferty, Bridge Street, Ballina (two claims)—Stock commandeered; Plate Glass Window

   destroyed by rifle fire—£105 17s 5d;

 Jeremiah Cowley, Arran Street, Ballina—Motor Accessories Commandeered—£91 0s 9d;

 Captain M. Clive, Ballina (two claims)—Household Goods, Farming Implements and other articles  

  damaged; Land, Walls, Fences and Cattle at Clagan damaged and destroyed—£978 2s 6d (total);

 Michael Clarke, Carnamore, Kilbride—Horse Cart damaged—£25;

 Patrick Clarke, Arran Place, Ballina (three claims)—A Motor Car seized and damaged; Motor Car

  damaged; Motor Car and Petrol commandeered—£152 13s 6d(total);

 John W. Corcoran, Ballycastle—Shops Goods Commandeered—£89 6s 8d;

 Bridget Coolican, Ballina—Stock-in-Trade destroyed—£173 13s 6d;

 Bridget Corcoran (widow), Ballina—Window and Whiskey and Brandy damaged as the result of the   

  explosion of a land mine—£500;

 James Corley, John Street, Ballina—Windows and Door damaged (land mine)—£15

 Margaret Cosgrove, John Street, Ballina—Premises destroyed (land mine)—£31 9s;

 Ballina Coursing Club—Timber Posts damaged and destroyed and 84 live Hares liberated—£338 13s 7d;

 County Council of Mayo—Furniture of Ballycastle Courthouse commandeered—£$ 10s;

 Messrs. Davis Brothers, Crossmolina—Goods commandeered—£336 18s 10d;

 Frances Devaney, Ballina—80 perches of a Stone Wall injured and destroyed—£101 7s 6d;

 Capt. G. Downing, Bonniconloon West—13 perches of a stone and mortar wall knocked down—£10;

 Thomas Foy, King Street, Ballina—Goods commandeered—£3,471 8s 3d;

 Michael Flannelly, Attymass, Ballina—Goods commandeered—£20 0s 3d;

 Bernard Fraine, King Street, Ballina—Damage to his Premises—£72 £s 6d;

 Michael Finnerty, Moygownagh, Ballina—Bicycle commandeered—£10;

 Andrew Faughnan, Knockmore, Ballina—Goods commandeered—£55 10s;

FURTHER CLAIMS

 In July, 1934, further claims taken up were those lodged by Messrs. Bourke, Carrigg and Loftus, Solicitors, Bury Street, Ballina, and the first applicant at this sitting was Thomas J. Barrett, tailor, Belmullet, for whom a Mr. Connolly, B.L., appeared.

  (You will see from the next set of claims that a different set of reporting took place—PJC ):

MAKING OFFICERS’ UNIFORMS

 The applicant said he was a tailor in Belmullet between March and April, 1922, he supplied uniforms to the I.R.A. He made up some and supplied the makings of others. He also supplied riding breeches as well as haversacks. He had a claim for a bicycle he gave to the I.R.A.

Mr. Thornton said in his opinion the claim should be reduced to £15, which excluded labour.

The Judge said there was a difference if the stuff was taken from the shop. The applicant made the clothes himself.

The Judge said he would report for £30.

A BICYCLE

 John Breslin, Cloghans, claimed that on the 26^th October, 1922, a bicycle was taken by the I.R.A. It cost £7 when new.

 The Judge reported for £5.

LEGAL POINT RAISED

 Mrs. Dodd, Bridge Street, Ballina, widow of the late Mr. Luke Dodd, had a claim for meat supplied to the I.R.A. It amounted to £182 2s 6d.

By Mr. Thornton – She thought 20 per cent should come off to arrive at the cost price.

The Judge reported to £140.

Mr. Thornton raised the point that the applicant, being the personal representative, could not claim, as she did not sustain the loss. The deceased had no such rights on the date of his deaqth, in 1927, because this Act was not in force. The Act was silent as regards the claims of personal representatives, and it was an oversight on the part of the State draughtsman.

Mr. Connolly replied at length and quoted a decision in his favour dealing with the rights of personal representatives.

 The Judge said he would reserve his decision on the point of the right of personal representative to claim.

ANOTHER BICYCLE

 Michael Doherty, Corroy, in reply to Mr. Byrne, said in 1922 the I.R.A. took his bicycle. It cost three guineas (£8 and 8 shillings—PJM).

 The Judge reported for £6 6s.

YET ANOTHER

 Michael Lavelle, Castlehill, Crossmolina, in reply to Mr. Keeley, said that a bicycle was taken from him by the I.R.A. His brother bought the bicycle. It was worth about £3.

 The Judge reported for £3.

TREACLE AND RIFLES

 George Massey, Carne, in reply to Mr. Wilson, said in 1922 treacle and rifles were taken by armed men. They came in about 3.30 in the morning. The said that they came to confiscate the treacle and the rifles. The Winchester rifle was valued for £4 10s; tyhe Sneider rifle was valued for £3 10s. and the treacle was called for £9.

 Thomas Newcombe said in 1922 he was a member of the I.R.A.  who raided the applicant’s premises. They only took one rifle. The act was an official one.

 The Judge reported for £10.

“A BRITISH ACT”

 Mrs. Maria Collins, Geesala, said that a bicycle was taken in 1921, by the R.I.C. It was a gent’s bicycle.

 Mr. Thornton said the Act made no provision for articles taken by the British forces.

 Mr. Connolly said there was a claim for car hire amounting to £43 10s.

 The Judge reported for £15.

SHEEP AND LAMBS

 James Beckett, Carra, Bonniconlon, in reply to Mr. Keeley (Mr. Huggard) said in July, 1922, a sheep was taken by the I.R.A. It was valued at £4. In August a hogget was taken which had a value of £3, and a lamb valued at £2. The I.R.A. admitted taking the sheep.

 Patrick Rochford, a member of the I.R.A> in July, 1922, said they took a sheep.

 The Judge reported for £6.

TYPEWRITER AND MAPS

 William M. Boland, Auctioneer, Ballina, replying to Mr. Keeley, said in 1922 maps were taken from him by the I.R.A. which he had bought from Mrs. Walsh, Knox Street, Ballina. An Oliver typewriter, valued at £23 was also taken. He had bought the typewriter from Mr. George O’Malley Ormsby.

 The Judge reported for £15.

ROSSPORT CLAIM DISMISSED

 John Monaghan, Rossport, said that he supplied goods to members of the I.R.A. and was paid nothing. He also supplied meals at 1/6d each; a bicycle was given back damaged. A boat was taken in 1922.

 By Mr. Thornton—He made a claim in 1922 and was paid that claim. He made a claim on the 7^th April, 1923, and did not include the present claims. Witness said the men who raided the post office came with blackened faces.

Mr. Thornton--You were not in favour of the I.R.A.?

Witness—I never took sides.

 Judge--What did you claim in 1923?

 Witness—I got careless as I did not think I would get paid for those things at all.

 The Judge said the applicant made a similar claim in 1923 and the present action would be dismissed with costs.

HARDWARE

 Michael Sweeney, manager for Mrs. E. Murphy (Malones, Bridge Street, Ballina), gave evidence of goods amounting to £7 11/4d delivered to the I.R.A.

 The Judge reported for £5.

BOOTS SUPPLIED

 James J. McAndrew, bootmaker, Belmullet, gave evidence of boots made for the I.R.A. His claim was for £38. He never got a payment from a Mr. Feehan.

 The Judge reported for £25.

 Another claim from that area was from Mrs. Kate O’Boyle, Barrack Street, Belmullet, who said she supplied goods to the I.R.A. amounting to £104. She claimed at cost price.

 The Judge reported for £70.

A ROSSERK GUN

 Norman Petrie, Rosserk,  claimed for a gun taken in April, 1922, by masked and armed men. They said they belonged to the I.R.A. He knew nothing about the 1923 Act and did not read the papers at the time.

 Judge—Do you want me to believe that?

 Witness—No.

 Judge—I find it very hard to believe that!

 Further, the witness said his father was alive at the time and he did not read local papers.

 The Judge said he would report for £5.

BURNING OF BARRACKS

 Mrs. Alice Conway, Bangor, had a claim for £87 5s.

Mr. Keeley said there were some items he was withdrawing.

 The applicant said her husband supplied the good. She took out Probate to her husband.

 The Judge reported for £15.

 A claim in respect of the burning of Geesala Barracks was withdrawn.

BALLINA CLAIM

 James Calleary, Hill Street, Ballina, replying to Mr. Micks (Mr. Mulligan) said he supplied goods to the I.R.A. in 1922. The I.R.A. were stationed in the Barracks at the time. He now produced the pass book kept by the I.R.A. His claim amounted to £68 15s 2d.

 By Mr. Thornton—He knew a big list of payments made by the I.R.A. was published in the “Ballina Herald” but he got no money at the time.

 The Judge said he would report for £55.

“A LAWFUL ACT”

 The next claim was for the taking of a motor car, the applicant being Mrs. Ellen Calleary, Hill Street, Ballina.

 Mr. Thornton—I am authorised to state that the taking of this car was a “lawful taking.”

 Mr. Micks—The car was taken by a Captain Casey of the Free State troops. We put in a claim before, and the State put in a defence and claimed that the act was done by the Minister for Defence in the public interest. They also claimed that we were barred by the Indemnity Act of 1923. I want to know how now if the State will accept liability and pay for the car.

 Mr. Thornton said that was not a matter for him. It was for the solicitor to pursue the action elsewhere, and if not successful he to come back to his lordship.

 Mr. Micks—I want to state in open court that it is the duty of a State department to give some assistance to the taxpayer.

 Judge—Mr. Thornton is doing his duty to the State.

 Mr. Micks—My quarrel is not with Mr. Thornton, but with a Department of State. I owe that duty to my client.

 Judge—I will adjourn the case to the November sitting.

MEDICINE SUPPLIED

 George C. Hewson, Arran Street, Ballina, chemist, said that he supplied goods to the I.R.A. amounting to £24 2s 4d.

  The Judge reported for £18.

NATIONAL ARMY DEFAULT

 Mrs. Teresa Mitchell, King Street, Ballina, replying to Mr. Connolly, said her late husband supplied goods to the I.R.A. for £21 16s. The cost price was £18 13s 8d.

 By Mr. Thornton—There was a claim in 1923 but that was for damage to house property. Her husband ran the business in 1923 and looked after the clerical end of the business. Her husband was paid for other goods by the National Army and they had a balance for £2 odd. She was now claiming that balance.

 The Judge reported for £16.

BREAD SUPPLIED

 Joseph Beirne, Bridge Street, Ballina, had a claim for £130 for goods supplied to the I.R.A.

 Mr. Byrne, B.L. (Mr. John MacHale) appeared for the applicant, who submitted warrants for the applicant, who submitted warrants from the I.R.A. His net claim after returns and other things was £73 which represented the cost prices.
 The Judge allowed £60.

LAHARDANE CASES

 There were a number of cases taken by Lahardane residents including Peter Corrigan (bicycle taken by the I.R.A.); William Doyle, claimed £38 9s for goods supplied to the I.R.A. but he kept no books.

 Judge—Do you mean to say you supplied goods but kept no books?

 Mr. Byrne—You did not supply them in the ordinary way. You were raided five times.

 Witness—Yes. I protested every time. They took tobacco and cigarettes every time. I also have a claim for care hire at 1s a mile.

 By Mr. Thornton—He did not know anything about them, but they told him they were belonging to the I.R.A.

 The Judge allowed £7.

TAKEN BY THE R.I.C.

 John Deane, Ballycastle, claimed £40 for a Douglas motor bicycle which taken by the R.I.C.

 Judge—This British taken, and I must refuse it.

 The applicant claimed £1 14s for a speedometer taken by the Free State troops.

 The Judge said the difficulty was: could he grant compensation for articles taken by the troops of the State?

 The claim was refused.

MORE BICYCLES TAKEN

 Michael Gaughan, Coolnabina Crossmolina; Patrick Greneghan, Letterbrick, and John O’Hara, Letterbrick, had their bicycles taken by the I.R.A. in 1922, and were awarded compensation for same.

THE BLACK AND TANS

 Patrick McHugh, Rathgelly, Lahardane, said his house was raided by the British and the I.R.A. The British forces did not do any damage but took him prisoner. The I.R.A. destroyed his wheat, hay and other things. They broke down an iron gate and fences. There was a rifle and ammunition taken.

 By Mr. Thornton—He made a claim in 1922 but it was dismissed. He was a great friend of the I.R.A. and was still. They took the rifle to fight the enemy, the Black and Tans.

 Martin Flanagan, Q.M. of the 4^th Battalion, North Mayo Brigade I.R.A., was examined and gave evidence of the damage done. It was one of the first places taken over in that district and they weekend camps there in September, 1921.

 The Judge granted a decree for £6.

BALLINA DECREE

 Eugene McCaffrey gave evidence on behalf of Mrs. McKane, King Street, Ballina, who claimed for goods supplied to the I.R.A.

 The witness produced the accounts, of which the cost price was about £18.

 The Judge allowed £16.

A BALLYCASTLE CLAIM

 In Ballina Circuit Court before Judge O’Donnell, Anthony Quinn of Ballycastle, applied for compensation in respect of the taking of a bicycle and other things, and for meat supplied to the I.R.A.

 Lord Hemphill (Messrs. Ruttledge and Corr) for the applicant; Mr. Thornton for the State.

 Applicant gave evidence that his premises were raided in 1922 and a bicycle, which cost £13, was taken. There was also a knife and steel taken. There was also sheep meat destroyed and a door broken which cost 10s to repair.

 Cross-examined—He bought the bicycle from Mr. Cowley, Ballina, in 1919, but there was no record of the transaction. (This Mr. Cowley had a bicycle shop in Arran Street, Ballina, and was father of ex-T.D. Dr. Jerry Cowley, Mulranny—PJM).

 Mr. Thornton said that as the necessary particulars had not been furnished by the defendant he was not in a position to deal with it.

 The Judge adjourned that portion of the claim.

 Applicant then gave evidence in respect of his claim for £28 16s for mutton and beef supplied in 1922 to the I.R.A. The cost price charged is 1/4d per lb.

 Cross-examined—The I.R.A. were stationed at Heathfield and Glen Villa. There were various parties stationed there, numbering from about ten upwards. The applicant had the items entered in his books.

 Thomas Newcombe, Ballina, said he was in charge of the I.R.A. in Heathfield in 1922. There was beef and mutton supplied as stated by the applicant. Witness gave orders for the meat to be supplied. Applicant was the adjutant.

 Cross-examined—There was no requisitions issued, but the meat was checked when delivered. All the records kept were subsequently destroyed when witness’s house was raided by the Free State troops in August, 1922. There were no payments made for these goods, but prior to that payments had been made to people for goods supplied in the Anglo-Irish war.

 The Judge made a report for £20.

CLAIM BY TAILOR

 John Cawley, tailor, Bonniconlon, applied for £35 6s 8d for goods supplied to the I.R.A.

 In reply to Mr. Wilson the applicant said he made bandoliers, haversacks and flags; he supplied the materials.

 Cross-examined—He entered the work in a book at the time. He does not keep regular books.

 John Ruane gave evidence in support. He requisitioned the goods under his Captain’s orders and took them to Rathumisk camp. There would be over eighty men there at the time.

 Cross-examined—They did not go to any other tailor.

 The Judge reported for £20.

BOAT TAKEN

 Patrick Coleman, Terry, Bofeenaun, applied for £17 for damage to a boat.

 In reply to Mr. Keeley, applicant said the military raided his place in February, 1923, and next day the applicant found the boat broken. He had it for 4 years. It was put beyond repair.

  Cross-examined—He did not see the military damage the boat; they did nothing else.

  James Browne said that Michael Kilroy (now T.D.) had been using the boat previous to the taking of Ballina (12^th September, 1922). The boat was broken in matchwood.

 Cross-examined—He could not swear the Free State military destroyed the boat.

 To the Judge, the witness said that the boat cost £4.

 Having heard Mr. Thornton on the legal aspect and Mr. Keeley in reply, the Judge said the claim came within the terms of the Act.

 On the question of value, Mr. Thornton said the value was almost negligible; it would be covered by a sum of 50s.

 The Judge reported for £4.

BALLINA DRAPERY

 Martin Corcoran, Bridge Street, Ballina, applied for £3 17s. 6d compensation for goods supplied to the I.R.A.

 In reply to Mr. Keeley, the applicant said that Mr. Vincent Calleary, an I.R.A. officer, sent an order and witness supplied an overcoat, pants and pair of breeches. (Vincent Calleary was a grand-uncle of Mr. Darragh Calleary, T.D.—PJC).

 Cross-examined—The purchase price would be 25 per cent less than the amount of the claim. Witness got a claim under the 1923 Act, but the goods now claimed for were not included.

 To the Judge, witness said that the Free State troops were in occupation at the time the present goods were supplied; as regards the goods already paid for, the Volunteers, who were in control at the time, had commandeered same.

 Vincent Calleary said he was in the I.R.A. and the goods claimed for, were supplied by applicant on an order from witness.

 The Judge reported for £2 17s 6d.

A SLIGHT MISTAKE

 Patrick Fahey, Derryfadda, Bofeenaun,claimed for goods supplied to the amount of £19 4s 6d.

 In reply to Mr. Connolly, the applicant gave evidence of the goods supplied,  details of which he entered in his books. The goods were supplied from August, 1922, to August, 1923.

 Cross-examined—The book produced only dealt with the present claims. He never made a claim before now, but he wrote to the Ministry for Finance about it. There was a slight mistake in the tot originally. At times the I.R.A. column billeted in the village. He got some requisitions for the goods, but his wife burned them as his home was raided on a few occasions.

 Martin Harte said he was in charge of dispatches between North and West Mayo and knew the I.R.A. got goods from the applicant.

 Cross-examined—He could not say what the value of the goods were.

 The Judge reported for £15.

MOTOR HIRE

Michael Gilvarry, Killala, applied for £44 for car hire, supplied to the I.R.A.

 In reply to Mr. Byrne the applicant said he supplied motor hire to the I.R.A. during the dates given. He charged 1s per mile. He also paid the car driver.

 Mr. Thornton questioned the witness at length as to the mileage, and he explained how it was arrived at.

 The Judge awarded £15.

GUNS TAKEN

 Patrick Connor, Ballyknock, Ballycastle, applied for compensation for various articles and goods taken by the I.R.A.

 In reply to Mr. Byrne, the applicant said a double barrelled shotgun was taken by the I.R.A. in ~September, 1922. It cost £3 10s. Applicant had it for three years. About the same time a bicycle which cost £7 10s. was also taken. There were also taken—hens and fowl, and various articles of clothing.

Mr. Thornton questioned the witness as to the cost of the gun, and the dates on which the goods were taken away. He denied falling asleep on the road and losing the bicycle. The parties who could prove about the taking away are in the U.S.A. Witness is not in poor circumstances at the present time; he did not try to get receipts showing what the articles cost. He never complained that the goods had been taken; he had no licence for the gun.

 Edward Haire, Ballymanagh, applied for compensation for the taking of gun by the I.R.A. The gun was taken from him in August, 1920. It was ten years old and cost £5 and was a double barrelled gun. He had no licence for it.

  The Judge awarded £1.

ATTYMASS CLAIM

 Michael J. Hennigan, Currower, Attymass, Ballina, applied for compensation for damage done to his house and the destruction of his crop from 1922 to 1923.

 Applicant said he was employed as herd for Mr. McGloin of Greyfort, about whose land there was an agitation in March, 1922. Applicant would not join in the organisation. His window was broken; also a ladder, and he was threatened and ordered to clear out. On the 4^th April he was driven off conacre land which he had ploughed. There were oats and potatoes destroyed. There were some stacks of oats valued for £28; potato crop, £44, and the damage to the land at £51. In 12923 he was warned to have nothing to do with the land. There was a gate on his land destroyed, and cattle were put in his oats. In November, 1923, the house was attacked.

 In reply to the Judge, witness said the paper he was reading from, giving particulars of the damage, was one he had prepared some months ago for his solicitor. He had copied the particulars on it from a paper he had prepared when the damage was being done, but that paper was at home.

 Mr. Thornton said he did not think the witness should be allowed to use the paper, and by the direction of the Judge the witness put the paper away.

 The witness gave further details in support of his claim, and said he had to leave his house.

 Cross-examined, the witness said that the damage was not done by the Free State Army or the Volunteers. The Volunteers were not there officially, but members of the I.R.A. were amongst the agitators. Witness admitted that in 19120 he was in with the agitators who wanted to bring Mr. McGloin into the Sinn Fein Court to have his land divided. Witness got conacre from Mr. McGloin after the fell away from the agitators.

 Replying to the Judge, Mr. Thornton said his case was that either under the 1923 Act, or the 1933 Act, the claim was unsustainable, and if the applicant had a remedy at all it was under the Malicious Injuries code, which Acts had not been repealed.

 Mr. Micks said his answer was that the ordinary Malicious Injury code had, at that time, been absolutely suspended.

 The Judge said he was prepared to accept that the 1923 Act only suspended the Acts of 1919 and 1920, but the Act of 1898 still remained, but he wanted to be satisfied that the applicant was entitled to proceed under the 1923 Act.

 Mr. Micks (reading the Act) said it was provided by the 1923 Act that compensation was “payable in respect of all acts of injury done to property between 11^th July, 1921, and 20^th March, 1923,” in respect of which the Act of 1923 had not been passed, the applicant “would have been entitled to apply for compensation under the existing Malicious Injuries code.”

 Having heard Mr. Thornton in reply, the Judge adjourned the case.

CROSSMOLINA CASE

 Dr. Luke McGuinness, Crossmolina, applied for £20 compensation in respect of damage done to his wall by Free State Forces.

In reply to Mr. Keeley the applicant said after the fight between Free State and Republican forces in September, 1922, in Ballina, the former knocked down a wall for the purpose of making a barricade at applicant’s residence.

 Applicant produced a receipt showing the amount expended and the Judge reported for £20.

REFUSED

 Mrs. Ellen Jordan, Enniscoe, Crossmolina, applied for compensation for a bicycle taken.

 The applicant said that in March, 1923, the Free State forces took her bicycle which had cost £7. Her husband was in jail at the time. He was a member of the I.R.A.

 Having heard evidence of the legal aspect of the claim the Judge refused it without costs.

MORE GOODS

 Patrick Keane, Kincon, Ballina, applied for compensation for goods supplied to the I.R.A> amounting to £13 11s. 0d.

 The applicant said the I.R.A. occupied Farmhill Barracks in 1922, and he supplied goods as ordered. He made the entry (produced) of the goods supplied at the time. He had made the entry in 1922.

 The Judge said there were two and half pages of items covering from March to May, 1922, which he handed to witness, to which the witness said that he had made the entries as the transactions occurred.

 Michael Keane, son of the applicant, identified the sheet produced containing the list of goods supplied as written by him. He wrote the items each day as they occurred. The sheet produced was torn out of a book. He said he agreed with his father’s evidence. To the Judge he said he had used two kinds of inks, red and black.

 Michael Gallagher said he was a Company Commandant in the I.R.A. and got stuff supplied by the applicant., but he could not say what amount the goods would come to.

 John Commins said he was in the I.R.A. in 1922. They got goods in March and April, 1922.

 The Judge said nobody could believe a word of the applicant, and he refused the claim.

GUN AND CASH

 John J. Leonard, Bofeenaun, applied for compensation for monies expended for the I.R.A. for the price of guns and munitions supplied, and for other cash expenditure amounting in all to £73 18s. 4d.

 The applicant said he was an I.R.A. officer and supplied guns and ammunition to the I.R.A> he produced details of these items and also for a claim for cash expended. He received £28 on account from Tom Derrig.

 Having gone through the various items of the claim, Counsel said he was satisfied that the applicant could only recover £50.

 Mr. Thornton said the claim was really for money expended, and it was just the class of case excluded in the Act.

 Witness produced to the Judge a document authorising him to do what he was now claiming for. On one occasion he had to go to Dublin, as they had no money.

 Mr. Connolly said the claim was obviously genuine, and if the applicant had wished to do so he could have prepared the claim in another way.

 To Mr. Thornton, the witness said he was actually financing things himself.

 Mr. Thornton said he was relying on the fact that Mr. Connolly admitted certain portions of the claim went out, and he also relied on the sections of the Act covering this class of case.

 Mr. Connolly said that taking £28 off the amount claimed left £45 18s 4d still due to the applicant.

 The Judge awarded £40.

“ON THE RUN”

 Anthony Lyons, Bridge Street, Swinford, claimed in respect of a Ford motor car taken by the British Forces.

 Mr. Connolly, B.L., was for the applicant.

 The applicant said that on the 3^rd of October, 1920, the car was taken by the British Forces and returned in July 1921. The car had been damaged. It was bought new for £300. Witness gave details of the damage to the car which he sold a week later for £60. He gave credit in the claim form for the £60 he received.

 Mr. Thornton said this was a claim for the damage done to, not the taking of a car, and it must be adjourned to have enquiries made.

 The Judge ruled accordingly.

  Applicant also claimed for the taking of a greyhound bitch, when he said was valued at £30. Witness was “on the run”. The dog was taken by Free State soldiers.

 Cross-examined—He came back from being “on the run” in July, 1923. In correspondence with the Government he never made this claim before, as he had thought such a claim was not legal. The Guards were in Swinford at the time the hound was taken, but no complaint was made at the time. He bought the hound for cash; he did not pay by cheque as the seller might not know witness. The hound divided a Puppy Stake at Dundalk.

 Mrs. Sarah Lyons, wife of applicant, said in 1922 a number of Free State soldiers broke open a kennel and took away the greyhound. When witness complained they told her to send her husband for the hound.

 Cross-examined—Witness made a claim for other goods taken by the army which was investigated. It amounted to £28, and witness was informed that it could not be verified.

 Witness said she could not explain how the date furnished to the Department as to the taking of the dog was “the first Wednesday in August.”

 Mr. Connolly said the date in the declaration was the 25^th October, 1922.

 The Judge awarded £20.

 The same applicant claimed for goods supplied to the East Mayo Brigade.

  Applicant said the goods were supplied in March and April, 1922. He took a note of the goods when supplied. Witness never received any payment for the goods which were charged at wholesale prices. His claim amounted to £56.

James Henry said he was Battn. Commandant in Swinford in 1922. Witness could vouch for the ten overcoats taken, but knew nothing of the other articles claimed for.

 The Judge awarded £45.

CYCLE PARTS

 Martin J. Hegarty, Carrowkeel, Lahardane, applied for £12 14s 6d compensation in respect of cycle parts supplied, and cycles repaired done for members of the I.R.A. There were two claims.

 The applicant said that in January, 1921, he supplied cycle parts and did cycle repairs for the I.R.A. he entered the work done in the book produced. He set out the various details from the book of the work done.

 Mr. Thornton said the details had not been furnished with the statutory declaration, and he only got them by a special application.

 The Judge said he found it impossible to follow the claim owing to the absence of detailed particulars and dates.

  (The claim covered the pre-Truce and post-Truce conflicts).

 Witness said  the repairs were done to a bicycle of a man named Loftus who was a dispatch rider. At that time the bicycles were not being commandeered. Witness also had a claim against the British.

 Patrick Loftus said that from March, 1919, to July, 1922, he was an I.R.A. dispatch rider and during that time got his bicycle repaired by the applicant, and he also got parts supplied.

 To the Judge, witness said the bicycle was repaired in 1919 and also in 1920. He had no exact dates. He said the bicycle was his own, and was an old one.

 Mr. Thornton said his submission was that it was a private deal between witness and the applicant.

 To the Judge, witness said he would pay the amount to applicant if he could.

 Mr. Wilson said the witness had sworn he used the bicycle in a certain capacity.

 To the Judge, the witness said the principal use of the bicycle was for his own purpose.

 The Judge refused the part of the claim which related to repairs to Loftus’s bicycle.

 Giving evidence in the second claim, Martin Harte said he was a dispatch rider in the I.R.A. and got a cycle tyre for that purpose from the applicant.

 Mr. Thornton said the position was very confusing, because two claims had been lodged instead of one.

 The Judge said he thought he had already dismissed the claim, as it included work done for Loftus.

 Mr. Wilson said Loftus was included in both claims.

 Cross-examined, he said he knew nothing of any deals between the other parties named as having got work done, viz, Hegarty and Corcoran, who are now in the U.S.

 Applicant, recalled by the Judge, pointed out in his book what he had done for John Corcoran (who was then in the Barracks) to the amount of 25s 8d. As regards Waters, who was also in the Barracks, witness did work for him amounting to £2 8s. and the work for Loftus amounted to £3.

 The Judge awarded £5.

BALLINA ACCOUNT

 Dominick Molloy, Breaffy, Ballina, claimed £61 14s. for goods supplied to the I.R.A.

 Applicant said that when he had a shop in Bridge Street, Ballina, he supplied goods to the I.R.A. Witness produced an account showing the goods supplied. He had a grocery business.

 Cross-examined—His profit in the business was from 2½ to 5 per cent.

 The Judge awarded £40.

IN GLASS ISLAND

 Mrs. Kate Madden, Glass Island, Knockmore, claimed compensation for billeting I.R.A. troops, amounting to £64 10s.

 The applicant said her place was a place of refuge for the I.R.A. who billeted with her, and to whom she supplied food from August, 1922, to the “Cease Fire” in 1923. Witness, at times, had up to 15 men; at times perhaps about 2. She kept no book or record, but it covered a period of 285 days. There are four other houses on the island. Witness said it cost about 4s 6d a day for feeding. She bought a great amount of bacon. Witness had cows from which she got butter; witness, who is a widow, had a family. She contracted debts with Mr. Maloney, shopkeeper, Knockmore, for goods she had to get, but which she subsequently paid.

 Proceeding to give details, witness said it cost about 1s 6d a day to keep each man.

 Cross-examined—She cooked the meals and they were consumed in her house. She did not tell Mr. Maloney that she wanted the goods for men “on the run”. Witness had nothing to do with the mails from the island to the mainland.

 Thomas Bourke said he was Company Adjutant. Various I.R.A. men stayed on the island and were fed and billeted with the applicant during all the time stated in the claim.

 To the Judge, witness gave details of the sort of food supplied. There was an average of three men per day billeted with the applicant.

 The Judge awarded £15.

AN I.R.A. CAMP

 Mrs. Mary Naughton, Massbrook, Pontoon, claimed £4 13s. compensation for sheep killed by and goods supplied to the I.R.A.

 The applicant said the I.R.A. were camped in the village in 1922/’23 In October, ’22, a sheep, her property, was killed. She supplied tobacco, cigarettes and matches to the I.R.A. also. Witness produced an account of the goods supplied. There was also an item for cash.

 The Judge struck out the amount and awarded £3.

CLAIMS FROM CROSSMOLINA

A. Rowland, claimed £24 11s 1d for goods supplied to the I.R.A. and gave evidence to this effect.

 Applicant’s daughter, Mary Rowland, produced the account book showing the goods supplied.

 The Judge awarded £16.

 Andrew McNeely claimed £109 for goods supplied to the I.R.A., and gave formal evidence of the claim. He charged the retail price.

 The Judge awarded £80.

 Michael Mulherin claimed £6 16s 9d for goods supplied to the I.R.A., and produced his account book of the transactions. The entries were made some years after the goods were supplied. He considered the goods as good as lost. He produced vouchers for most of the goods supplied.

 Edward O’Boyle said he was in Crossmolina Barracks at the time the goods were got from the applicant.

 The Judge awarded £5.

BALLINA DRAPERY

 Thomas MacHale, Arran Street, Ballina, applied for £87 for goods supplied to the I.R.A., and he said he supplied the goods claimed for, and were taken from the shop by the I.R.A. He said he sent the bill to Mr. P. J. Ruttledge, who said they had no funds.

 Thomas Finnerty said he was an I.R.A. officer (Company Adjutant). He was present when the goods were taken from the shop.

 The Judge reported for £65.

A MISSING BOOK

 Michael Reilly, Bofeenaun, claimed for £6 0s 10d for goods supplied to the I.R.A. He said he kept a passbook showing the goods, but he had not that book now.

 Michael Mulderrig said he was in the I.R.A. and was aware the goods were taken from the applicant.

 The Judge awarded £5.

MANY MORE LODGED

 In addition to the list of claims published last week the following claims for injury to property following the shooting of two policemen on the night of the 16^th April in Ballina have been lodged:

 Patrick, John and Michael Moylett (trading as Moylett’s Stores), King Street, Ballina, two plate glass windows, one return plate glass window, and plate glass doors, four panes of plate glass, two panes of plate glass in Arran Street, value £344 10s, and stock-in-trade, value £369 18s 4d, wantonly and maliciously broken, injured, and destroyed and £30 consequential damage—Total £747 8s 4d.

 Martin Corcoran, Bridge Street, Ballina, two plate glass windows, fanlight, shop door and bedroom window, value £54 10s, and stock-in-trade value £9, broken, injured and destroyed and £15 consequential damage—total £78 10s.

 Dominick Molloy, Bridge Street, Ballina, two plate glass windows and fanlight, value £50 10s; stock-in-trade, value £22 6s, and £30 consequential damage—total £102 16s.

WOUNDED POLICEMAN’S CLAIM

Constable Walter Davis, one of the policemen shot in Bridge Street, Ballina, on the same night, has served notice of his intention to claim £2,000. (See full report from the “Western People” of 11^th June, 1921) of this claim.

BONNICONLON AMBUSH

 Constable William Hankins, who was wounded on the occasion of an ambush at Bonniconlon on the morning of the 4^th April, is claiming £1,500. (See full report from the “Western People” of 11^th June, 1921).

MORE TO COME on these claims

Ballina Herald, 2nd September, 1922

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THE LATE LIEUT. MORAN

 Mr. Patrick Moran, Hill Street, Ballina, has lodged a malicious injury claim for £2,000 for the death of his son, Lieut. Patrick Moran, who was shot in Hill Street, Ballina, while in the execution of his duty. (Ballina Herald, 2^nd September, 1922).

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THE BURNING OF BALLINA BARRACKS—£5,000 CLAIM

 The Executors of the will of the late Charles Gallagher, Ballina, has lodged a claim for £5,000 for the burning and destruction of Ballina R.I.C. Barracks, Walsh Street, Ballina, which Mr. Gallagher owned. (Ballina Herald, 2^nd September, 1922)